{"id":468658,"date":"2025-05-15T08:36:50","date_gmt":"2025-05-15T12:36:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=468658"},"modified":"2025-05-15T08:36:50","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T12:36:50","slug":"revenge-of-the-oil-and-edmontons-depth-and-defence-dominate-the-series-over-vegas-golden-knights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/05\/15\/revenge-of-the-oil-and-edmontons-depth-and-defence-dominate-the-series-over-vegas-golden-knights\/","title":{"rendered":"Revenge of the Oil and Edmonton\u2019s Depth and Defence Dominate the Series over Vegas Golden Knights"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"\" data-start=\"40\" data-end=\"192\"><span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">It&#8217;s over! The Edmonton Oilers have advanced to the Western Conference Final of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs after defeating the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/05\/10\/vegas-golden-knights-sustain-key-injury-in-game-3-of-edmonton-oilers-series\/\" target=\"_self\">Vegas Golden Knights<\/a> in five games.<\/span> <span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/05\/06\/edmonton-oilers-vs-vegas-golden-knights-2025-stanley-cup-playoffs-western-conference-second-round-series-preview\/\" target=\"_self\">The series<\/a> concluded with a 1\u20130 overtime victory in<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/05\/14\/nhl-predictions-playoffs-edition-edmonton-oilers-vs-vegas-golden-knights-game-5\/\" target=\"_self\"> Game 5<\/a>, highlighted by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kapanka01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-15_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kasperi Kapanen<\/a>&#8216;s<a  href=\"https:\/\/www.nhl.com\/news\/edmonton-oilers-vegas-golden-knights-game-5-recap-may-14\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> game-winning goal<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/skinnst01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-15_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stuart Skinner<\/a>&#8216;s 24-save shutout.<\/span> <span class=\"relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out\">This marks the Oilers&#8217; second consecutive trip to the conference final, as they await the winner of the Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets series. First, let&#8217;s recap the Oilers vs Golden Knights series.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"199\" data-end=\"258\"><strong data-start=\"199\" data-end=\"258\">Series Review: Edmonton Oilers vs. Vegas Golden Knights<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"260\" data-end=\"278\"><strong data-start=\"260\" data-end=\"278\">Series Summary<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"280\" data-end=\"549\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"280\" data-end=\"330\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"282\" data-end=\"330\"><strong>Game 1:<\/strong> Oilers 4, Golden Knights 2 | <strong>(1 \u2013 0 EDM)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"331\" data-end=\"386\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"333\" data-end=\"386\"><strong>Game 2:<\/strong> Oilers 5, Golden Knights 4 (OT) | <strong>(2 \u2013 0 EDM)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"387\" data-end=\"437\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"389\" data-end=\"437\"><strong>Game 3:<\/strong> Golden Knights 4, Oilers 3 |<strong> (2 \u2013 1 EDM)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"438\" data-end=\"488\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"440\" data-end=\"488\"><strong>Game 4:<\/strong> Oilers 3, Golden Knights 0 |<strong> (3 \u2013 1 EDM)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"489\" data-end=\"549\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"491\" data-end=\"549\"><strong>Game 5:<\/strong> Oilers 1, Golden Knights 0 (OT) |<strong> (4 \u2013 1 EDM wins)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-start=\"556\" data-end=\"629\"><strong data-start=\"556\" data-end=\"629\">Golden Knights Series Review: Early Deficits and Missed Opportunities<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"326\" data-end=\"1001\">The Vegas Golden Knights entered the second round as the Pacific Division\u2019s top seed, loaded with playoff experience and a roster built for another deep run. However, they quickly fell behind after dropping the first two games at home. In Game 1, Edmonton jumped out to a 3\u20130 lead and never looked back, frustrating Vegas with aggressive forechecking and solid defensive zone structure. Game 2 proved to be even more frustrating. The Oilers edged out a 5\u20134 overtime win, with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/draisle01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-15_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Leon Draisaitl<\/a> scoring the game-winner shortly after a missed tripping call.\u00a0The no-call drew the ire of head coach <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/cassibr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-15_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bruce Cassidy<\/a> and shifted public scrutiny toward the officiating.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1003\" data-end=\"1321\">With the series shifting to Edmonton, the Golden Knights needed a response, and got one, at least temporarily. Game 3 was a thriller, capped off by a jaw-dropping goal from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/smithre01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-15_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Reilly Smith<\/a> with 0.4 seconds left in regulation to win 4\u20133. That victory cut the series deficit to 2\u20131 and reignited hopes of a Vegas turnaround.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1323\" data-end=\"1928\">However, their momentum was fleeting. In Game 4, the Golden Knights were shutout for the first time in the postseason. They generated chances but couldn\u2019t solve Stuart Skinner, who turned away all 23 shots he faced. The Golden Knights\u2019 power play continued to struggle, going 0-for-3 on the night. Then came Game 5, an intense, defensive battle that saw <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hillad01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-15_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adin Hill<\/a> stand tall with 29 saves. But one mistake in overtime, a blown coverage down low, allowed Kasperi Kapanen to pounce on a loose puck and send the Oilers to the next round. Vegas finished the series with just one even-strength goal in their final two games.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1930\" data-end=\"2139\">Although they won the Stanley Cup just two years ago, this year\u2019s early exit will sting. Key injuries, missed opportunities, and special teams shortcomings ultimately undid their hopes of reclaiming the crown.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1120\" data-end=\"1178\"><strong data-start=\"1120\" data-end=\"1178\">Oilers Series Review and Resilience and Defensive Prowess<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3330\" data-end=\"3756\">From the outset, the Oilers imposed their will in this series. Game 1 showcased a full-team effort, with goals from depth contributors and a smothering third period that sealed the win. Game 2 was a back-and-forth slugfest, ultimately won by Draisaitl\u2019s overtime heroics. But after falling in heartbreaking fashion in Game 3, the Oilers didn\u2019t panic. Instead, they locked in defensively and tightened up their transition game.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3758\" data-end=\"4335\">The turning point came in Game 4. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/henriad01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-15_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adam Henrique<\/a> scored twice, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/brownco02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-15_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor Brown<\/a> chipped in with a shorthanded goal, and Stuart Skinner delivered his first shutout of the playoffs. Just a few weeks earlier, Skinner had been pulled in Round 1 and replaced by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/pickaca01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-15_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Calvin Pickard<\/a>. Now, he was the backbone of the team. His redemption arc continued in Game 5, where he outdueled Adin Hill and posted his second consecutive shutout. His 24-save performance, marked by calm positioning and zero rebound chaos, solidified Edmonton\u2019s defensive identity heading into the Western Conference Final.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4337\" data-end=\"4730\">Equally important was Edmonton\u2019s secondary scoring. Henrique, Kapanen, Brown, and Janmark all stepped up at key moments. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bouchev01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-15_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Evan Bouchard<\/a> continued his strong postseason, quarterbacking a power play that clicked at over 27% in the series. Meanwhile, Draisaitl and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcdavco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-15_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor McDavid<\/a> were their usual elite selves, combining for 14 points and drawing constant defensive attention that opened space for others.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4732\" data-end=\"4991\">Game 5 ended in fitting fashion: a grinding, low-event game decided by poise and patience. Kasperi Kapanen\u2019s net-front awareness made the difference, and the celebration that followed felt like a release. Edmonton had slayed a giant, a ghost from their past, and done so in five games.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1547\" data-end=\"1596\"><strong data-start=\"1547\" data-end=\"1596\">What\u2019s Next for Each Team after Oilers vs Golden Knights<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5049\" data-end=\"5469\">The Oilers now wait for the winner of the Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets series to determine who they\u2019ll face in the Western Conference Final. With their goaltending stabilized, their defence dialled in, and contributions coming from every corner of the lineup, Edmonton is positioned as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. This run is shaping up to be their most complete and mature effort of the McDavid-Draisaitl era.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"5471\" data-end=\"5859\">As for Vegas, the offseason brings a familiar set of questions. They remain a deep and dangerous team, but injuries, declining special teams, and a first-round scare against Minnesota caught up to them. Bruce Cassidy and general manager Kelly McCrimmon will have to assess whether the current core can bounce back, or if tweaks are needed to keep pace in an increasingly competitive West.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5471\" data-end=\"5859\">Main Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It&#8217;s over! The Edmonton Oilers have advanced to the Western Conference Final of the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs after defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in five games. The series concluded with a 1\u20130 overtime victory in Game 5, highlighted by Kasperi Kapanen&#8216;s game-winning goal and Stuart Skinner&#8216;s 24-save shutout. This marks the Oilers&#8217; second [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5399,"featured_media":468667,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4548,23,4547,807],"tags":[8133,3901,1574,139,7526,193,3285,1790,5850],"class_list":["post-468658","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhl","category-oilers","category-hockey","category-vegas-golden-knights","tag-2025-stanley-cup-playoffs","tag-adin-hill","tag-bruce-cassidy","tag-connor-mcdavid","tag-edmonton-oilers-analysis","tag-leon-draisaitl","tag-reilly-smith","tag-stuart-skinner","tag-vegas-golden-knights-analysis"],"modified_by":"Levi Pike, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/468658","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5399"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=468658"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/468658\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":468668,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/468658\/revisions\/468668"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/468667"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=468658"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=468658"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=468658"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}